Tue May 28 9:03am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Robinson setup for big season
Using our rules for our money leagues, we came up with a schedule strength ranking for the running back position. We are using our fantasy defenses report to calculate the rankings. This report can be found in all of our leagues under the "reports" heading. We took the schedule of each team and entered the average number of fantasy points allowed to running backs last season from all of their opponents to get our fantasy points allowed number. This is a good indication of the running backs with the most favorable schedules for fantasy scoring for the coming season. Defenses obviously change from year to year, but knowing the running backs that might have the easiest schedule for fantasy is always a good idea when formulating your rankings and draft strategy.
RB SOS | ||
1. | Green Bay Packers | 356.01 |
2. | Houston Texans | 361.46 |
3. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 361.46 |
4. | Las Vegas Raiders | 361.48 |
5. | Seattle Seahawks | 362.28 |
6. | Buffalo Bills | 363.19 |
7. | Arizona Cardinals | 363.76 |
8. | Dallas Cowboys | 363.9 |
9. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 364.51 |
10. | Washington Commanders | 364.86 |
11. | Chicago Bears | 364.89 |
12. | Indianapolis Colts | 365.41 |
13. | San Francisco 49ers | 365.86 |
14. | New Orleans Saints | 366.49 |
15. | New York Jets | 368.23 |
16. | Detroit Lions | 368.49 |
17. | Philadelphia Eagles | 369.05 |
18. | Minnesota Vikings | 369.06 |
19. | Carolina Panthers | 369.88 |
20. | Cleveland Browns | 370.34 |
21. | Kansas City Chiefs | 371.71 |
22. | New York Giants | 372.21 |
23. | Los Angeles Chargers | 373.19 |
24. | Denver Broncos | 373.32 |
25. | Cincinnati Bengals | 373.66 |
26. | Los Angeles Rams | 374.09 |
27. | Baltimore Ravens | 374.16 |
28. | New England Patriots | 375.60 |
29. | Atlanta Falcons | 376.19 |
30. | Miami Dolphins | 377.49 |
31. | Tennessee Titans | 378.2 |
32. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 378.72 |
The two teams with the easiest fantasy schedules for running backs are the Steelers and Titans, which is interesting because both teams could platoon running backs. The Steelers split the work between Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren. And the Titans are likely to use both Tony Pollard and Tyjae Spears. All four backs could be setup for solid seasons with favorable schedules. It is always scary to take a back that might split work but seeing these positive schedules could make pulling the trigger on them a little easier come draft day. All four could be top flex plays for fantasy teams.
The Dolphins had huge success running the ball last year and could have similar solid production this season with the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs. Devon Achane is really looking good in year two. He is expected to get more work and likely lead the backfield in touches. Raheem Mostert had a career season last year and a great schedule but he carries a little more risk. He is 32 years old and now has rookie Jaylen Wright pushing him for playing time. Just something to keep in mind come draft day.
The Falcons are another team with a top-five favorable running back schedule, making Bijan Robinson a very intriguing pick this year. Robinson had a bit of a disappointing rookie season, but a new coaching staff and really favorable schedule make Robinson a huge breakout candidate. He is moving up draft rankings in a hurry and is capable of finishing first overall in fantasy running back scoring because of his skill set.
Rhamondre Stevenson is a possible rebound candidate. He was slowed by injury last year but is back healthy and with the fifth easiest schedule for running backs. Stevenson has shown in the past he can be a big-time fantasy back. Things are looking up for him this year, making him a good buy-low candidate.
The Packers had the easiest fantasy schedule for quarterbacks but get the toughest for running backs. This isn’t great news for new back Josh Jacobs. It is hard to bet against the productive back, though. You just might want to temper expectations for him this coming year. Jacobs could have a few down weeks, especially for his standards.
The Texans signed Joe Mixon to shore up their running back spot, but he carries some concerns. He wasn’t highly productive the last few seasons besides all his scores and now gets the second toughest schedule for running backs. Plus, the Texans are likely to be a pass heavy team, which could limit his workload a little. Mixon could end up being a boom or bust player.
Tampa also has a unfavorable fantasy schedule for running backs. Rachaad White had a big season last year but padded his numbers because of all his work in the passing game. That might be a similar scenario for him, having a tough time to run with this schedule. The positive for White is he is very good in the passing game. You have to worry about his rushing totals, though.
The Raiders haven’t really settled on a starting running back, but Zamir White is likely to get first shot at the job. That is great news for his fantasy value but the not so great news is his tough fantasy schedule. This could limit the ceiling of White a little. He has risk to begin with because it isn’t 100 percent certain he wins the job. This makes him a bit of a scary pick for fantasy teams.
Kenneth Walker didn’t have quite the breakout second season many hoped but was fairly productive with his work. And the good news is Zach Charbonnet didn’t really put a big dent in his workload. The Seahawks seem happy with Walker as the lead back. The unfortunate news for Walker is he has the fifth toughest fantasy running back schedule. Walker might fail to reach his lofty expectations once again in year three.
We also wanted to look at playoff schedules for fantasy running backs. So we crunched the numbers of all the schedules from Week 14-17, which is the fantasy playoffs for most leagues. We know you have to get to the playoffs first, but knowing the running backs with the easiest playoff schedules doesn’t hurt by any means, especially in the big money contests.
RB PLAYOFF SOS | ||
1. | San Francisco 49ers | 291.43 |
2. | Washington Commanders | 325.2 |
3. | Houston Texans | 327.8 |
4. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 332.03 |
5. | New York Jets | 337.57 |
6. | Cleveland Browns | 340.8 |
7. | Las Vegas Raiders | 341.1 |
8. | Miami Dolphins | 348.27 |
9. | Chicago Bears | 350.37 |
10. | Buffalo Bills | 350.53 |
11. | Arizona Cardinals | 352.8 |
12. | Dallas Cowboys | 358.87 |
13. | Detroit Lions | 359.7 |
14. | New York Giants | 365.67 |
15. | Kansas City Chiefs | 366.53 |
16. | Green Bay Packers | 368.97 |
17. | Seattle Seahawks | 370.23 |
18. | Carolina Panthers | 377.15 |
19. | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 378.37 |
20. | Los Angeles Chargers | 380.73 |
21. | Jacksonville Jaguars | 381 |
22. | Baltimore Ravens | 381.43 |
23. | Cincinnati Bengals | 383.50 |
24. | Philadelphia Eagles | 391.07 |
25. | New England Patriots | 397.95 |
26. | Indianapolis Colts | 398.40 |
27. | Denver Broncos | 399.53 |
28. | Tennessee Titans | 401.63 |
29. | Los Angeles Rams | 403.92 |
30. | New Orleans Saints | 406.33 |
31. | Minnesota Vikings | 407.87 |
32. | Atlanta Falcons | 422.4 |
There are two teams with a top-five favorable schedule for fantasy running backs for both the regular season and playoffs. Those teams are the Falcons and Titans. Atlanta actually has the easiest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. Robinson was looking good even before hearing this news but looks even better now. He is making a strong case to be the second running back off the board come draft day.
And Pollard and Spears are intriguing running back options with schedules that could produce big for both during the regular season and playoffs. You just have to worry about one back emerging to grab most of the work. If that happens, one of these backs could end up being a bust.
Minnesota has the second easiest playoff schedule for running backs. Aaron Jones has some injury concerns after the last few seasons, but he could be setup for a big workload with an unsettled quarterback situation in Minnesota. Jones has some good upside with his new team, especially during the playoffs.
One other team to mention for the playoff is New Orleans. Alvin Kamara isn’t getting any younger but remains the lead back and still productive. He still seems to have something left in the tank and could be a big fantasy factor for at least one more season, especially when it matters most in the playoffs. He could be a difference maker, having the third easiest fantasy schedule for running backs.
Houston is the lone team in both the top five for the toughest regular season and playoff fantasy running back schedules. This is an obvious concern for Mixon. He is looking more and more like a player you might to avoid come draft day. He might have some big games along the way in this great offense, but you have to wonder about his consistency and playoff performance.
So the top rated fantasy back, Christian McCaffrey, also has the toughest fantasy playoff schedule for running backs. You aren’t fading McCaffrey because of this. He is one of those rare backs that it doesn’t really matter who he plays. McCaffrey will produce. We still think he is the clear No. 1 fantasy back. He can still get it done in the playoffs.
Washington has Brian Robinson and Austin Ekekler likely splitting the work at running back, which hurts both their fantasy values. They also get the second most difficult playoff schedule for running backs. We wouldn’t reach too early for either back because of this.
The Steelers have the easiest fantasy running back schedule during the playoffs but fourth toughest for the playoffs. This is a tough one. Both backs have potential for good things, showing they can co-exist last year and produce well for fantasy teams. You just have to wonder if fading in the playoffs will make all that good work during the regular season all for nothing.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith is not a recommended fantasy asset heading into the team's Week 2 Thursday Night Football matchup against the Buffalo Bills. He caught 1-of-2 targets for seven yards in his first game as a Dolphin. However, teammate Durham Smythe received one more target than him, and he was the third Miami TE regarding snap share. Smythe participated in 30 snaps (42%) for the Dolphins, while Julian Hill acquired one target on 42 snaps (59%). Smith -- the presumed starting option for the team leading into Week 1-- saw just 20 snaps (28%) and is listed as the third-string option on Miami's depth chart. It's an interesting development as it puts Smythe on fantasy managers' radars. However, with the team's target share highly concentrated between wide receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill, it's tough to trust a third option in the passing game not named De'Von Achane (ankle) at this point. Even with Achane a game-time decision and Raheem Mostert (chest) ruled out, Miami's TE room can be safely avoided.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle is an excellent play in Week 2 as the Fins face off against their division-rival Buffalo Bills on Thursday night. Waddle was briefly checked for concussion-like symptoms this past Sunday in the team's 20-17 defeat of the Jacksonville Jaguars but still finished the day with five receptions for 109 yards -- catching all five of his targets on 72% of his team's snaps. It took Miami's offense a bit to get on track, but quarterback Tua Tagovailoa hit his superstar wideouts for gains of 63 and 80 in the second half to lead the Dolphins to victory. In the past, Buffalo's defense might have been a death knell regarding matchups, but after several key defensive departures this offseason, they aren't the doom-and-gloom opponent we're used to. The fourth-year wideout is a good bet for a heavy workload, with running back Raheem Mostert (chest) officially ruled out and De'Von Achane (ankle) a game-time decision. He's RotoBaller's PPR WR12 heading into the second week of action.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill will be a must-start option as usual in Week 2 when the team takes on the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. After being detained by police before kickoff this past Sunday, Hill caught 7-of-12 targets for 130 yards and scored a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was mostly locked down early in the game, but Cheetah shook free for an 80-yard score in the second half as the Jags would eventually fall 20-17. With running back Raheem Mostert (chest) ruled out and De'Von Achane (ankle) a game-time decision, expect quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to lean on the veteran wideout and his running mate Jaylen Waddle to open the second week of NFL action. Aside from edge-rusher Greg Rousseau, no other Bills defender graded higher than 68.7 per PFF in Week 1. Hill is again RotoBaller's No. 1 PPR WR play this week.
From RotoBaller
Carolina Panthers P Johnny Hekker (back) and LB Jadeveon Clowney (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Sept. 11. OT Robert Hunt (shoulder), OG Damien Lewis (groin), OT Yosh Nijman (leg) and TE Tommy Tremble (back, hamstring) were limited during practice.
From TheHuddle
The Los Angeles Rams placed offensive linemen Joe Noteboom (ankle) and Steve Avila (knee) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday, meaning the pair of starters will not be eligible to return until after the Week 6 bye. This is a troubling development for the Rams, who also placed Paka Nacua (knee) or IR. While dealing with a banged-up offensive line against the Lions in Week 1, Kyren Williams could only produce 50 rushing yards on 18 carries. Until the Rams offensive line returns to health, there could be little running room to work with, which lowers Williams' floor and ceiling moving forward.
From RotoBaller
The Buffalo Bills defense/special teams travels to Miami to meet with the high-powered Dolphins' offense in Week 2. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle both had a reception of over 60 yards against the Jaguars. The Buffalo defense, introducing new faces in their secondary, struggled to slow down the Arizona offense in Week 1. The Las Vegas sportsbooks predict Thursday Night Football will be one of the highest-scoring affairs of the Week 2 slate. Starting a defense in a matchup where points will come easy isn't a smart strategy. The Bills D/ST can be left on waiver wires.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass was a perfect six-for-six on kicks during his 2024 debut against the Arizona Cardinals and now enters a matchup where points should come easy. Josh Allen rarely has difficulty moving the offense against Mike McDaniel's Miami Dolphins. That will set up Bass for several kicking opportunities. Fantasy managers will be hopeful that field goals come more often than extra points, but there's a great chance that Bass won't go scoreless. Bass is a safe option for fantasy football and is ranked among the top kickers in Week 2.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will square off against the Buffalo Bills this Thursday night to open up the NFL's second week of action. Tagovailoa tossed just one score this past Sunday when Miami defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars in what was a slow start for the Dolphins. However, his 338 passing yards were good enough to lead the league after the first week of action. Jacksonville's defense kept Tua and the Fins in check during the first half, but long completions of 63 and 80 yards to Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill in the second half were enough to flip the momentum in their favor. Leading into Week 2, running back Raheem Mostert (chest) has been ruled out, and De'Von Achane (ankle) will be a game-time decision. If Achane is deemed unfit to suit up, Jeff Wilson Jr. and Jaylen Wright will pick up the slack in the Dolphins' backfield, with Waddle and Hill projected for increased volume. Buffalo isn't the easiest matchup for Tua and Miami, but the fifth-year signal-caller is still a QB1 (QB11) in RotoBaller's Week 2 rankings.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman begins his second week of professional, regular season football leading the team in most statistical receiving categories. Unfortunately, his four catches and 51 yards aren't an amazing stat line. Josh Allen spreads the football around, connecting with nine different receivers in Week 1. That could be the story of the Buffalo season, especially if Dalton Kincaid doesn't command targets as expected. Coleman is the most intriguing prospect of the Bills' wide receivers but he's not ready to be in fantasy football starting lineups. The leading receiver could change every week. Like Week 1, Coleman could emerge as the top receiver or score his first touchdown. He could just as easily catch one or two passes on Thursday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (knee) returned to full practice on Wednesday following limited sessions on Monday and Tuesday with a knee injury. The 26-year-old was banged up in the Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals, but he is good to go for Thursday Night against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. Johnson saw two carries for seven yards and drew one target in the season-opener, so he's not on the fantasy football radar in traditional leagues unless James Cook or Ray Davis have to miss any time in the future.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir scored a touchdown in Week 1, but that's all he did to excite fantasy managers. Three catches (on three targets) won't cut it as a flex-worthy option every week, because the touchdowns won't stay consistent. That's the problem facing Buffalo wide receivers. Josh Allen will score a lot of fantasy points and throw the football up and down the field. The matchup against Miami is forecasted to be one of the highest-scoring games of the Week 2 slate. It's just difficult to predict who, if anyone, will command the lion's share of targets. Nine different receivers caught a pass from Allen in Week 1. If it's a winning formula, why deviate? Shakir is the safest of the Bills' wide receivers, but target distribution will likely cap his upside.
From RotoBaller
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins caught two passes for 25 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. As was the case throughout his career, Hollins appears now and then with a double-digit fantasy football game. And just like his previous stops, Hollins is a part-time player who does the little things well. Interestingly, however, the Bills utilized Hollins far more than Curtis Samuel. The latter played 17 (27%) of the Bills' snaps in Week 1 and appeared to be the direct backup to Khalil Shakir. Hollins will be on the field for most three-receiver sets. That doesn't mean he needs to be on fantasy football rosters. He'll continue to be a low-target receiver who catches a touchdown or long pass from time to time. Keep Hollins on waiver wires ahead of the team's matchup with Miami on Thursday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert (chest) and WR Malik Washington (quadriceps) did not practice on Wednesday, Sept. 11, and have been ruled out for Week 2. In addition, RB De'Von Achane (ankle) and DB Elijah Campbell (Achilles) were limited and are questionable, LB Jaelan Phillips (Achilles) was limited but carries no designation, and OT Liam Eichenberg (shoulder) and CB Jalen Ramsey (hamstring) practiced in full and were removed from the injury report.
From TheHuddle
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook may not get the red zone opportunities that fantasy managers love, but he'll get plenty of touches elsewhere on the field. Although on the field for just over 60% of Buffalo's snaps in Week 1, James Cook dominated backfield touches. He carried the ball 19 times and caught three passes. Rookie Ray Davis got four touches while veteran Ty Johnson (knee) received two. The latter has been limited in practice. With offensive coordinator Joe Brady's reliance on the running game since he took the helm, Cook is in line for another 15-20 touch game. Consider Cook a low-end RB1 against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football.
From RotoBaller
Tight end Dalton Kincaid, considered to be the top receiving option in the Buffalo Bills' passing game, caught one pass for 11 yards in his season debut. Josh Allen connected with nine different receivers in Week 1, leaving Kincaid's fantasy managers clamoring for more. There are encouraging numbers for the second-year tight end. Allen only threw 23 times in the win over Arizona. He averaged 34 attempts per game in 2023. Kincaid was on the field for over 80% of the snaps and ran a route on over 80% of passing plays. The volume will eventually come. Don't panic with Kincaid just yet. There should be plenty of passing and points in Miami, one of the highest over/under lines of the Week 2 slate.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins wide receiver Malik Washington (quad) is officially ruled out of the Thursday Night Football contest against the Buffalo Bills in Week 2. Washington didn't play last week against the Jacksonville Jaguars due to a quad injury, so he will have to wait at least one more week to make his NFL debut. It's unfortunate that Washington hasn't been able to play, especially while Odell Beckham Jr. is on the PUP list, requiring him to miss at least the first four games of the regular season. Washington was a sixth-round pick by Miami in the 2024 NFL Draft following a 1,400-yard season at Virginia in 2023. Braxton Berrios will continue to operate as Miami's WR3, but he has limited upside behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle.
From RotoBaller
There's no concern about the matchup for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (hand) in Week 2. The two-time Pro Bowler has passed for over 300 yards and scored multiple touchdowns in each of his last five matchups against the Miami Dolphins. The 45 rushing yards he's averaged in those contests is the cherry on top. Although he only threw for 232 yards in his season debut, Allen's four touchdowns confirm that the Buffalo scoring offense runs through the quarterback. Allen is dealing with an injury to his non-throwing hand, but he's been a full participant in practice this week. Allen belongs in starting lineups in every fantasy league.
From RotoBaller
Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (ankle) is officially listed as questionable to face the Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football in Week 2. The second-year pro missed practice on Tuesday and Wednesday due to an ankle injury. Fantasy managers were hoping his lack of participation was for extra caution, but he's considered a game-time decision. 32-year-old running back Raheem Mostert (chest) has been ruled out with a chest injury, so rookie Jaylen Wright is likely to be active on Thursday. If Achane is active, he's a must-start option despite the risk of a potentially decreased role. Miami will only play him if the team believes he is healthy enough to go, and he's a threat to score a touchdown on any play. If he's out, Wright and Jeff Wilson Jr. are intriguing flex options with wide ranges of outcomes. Both would have upside, but it's tough to know how Mike McDaniel would distribute touches.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams officially placed wide receiver Puka Nacua (knee) on Injured Reserve on Wednesday. The team announced early in the week that he would go on IR, but it is now official, and he must sit out at least the next four games. It's an unfortunate development for Nacua and his fantasy managers who took him in the first or second round of preseason fantasy drafts following a 105-catch, 1,486-yard, six-touchdown season as a rookie. He will be first eligible to return following Los Angeles' Week 6 bye leading up to the matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7. While he's out, Cooper Kupp, who saw 21 targets in Week 1, should continue to dominate targets. However, wideouts Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Johnson and tight end Colby Parkinson will see increased opportunities. In deep leagues, Tutu Atwell might be worth stashing.
From RotoBaller
Updating a previous report, Free-agent CB Ahkello Witherspoon (Rams) signed with the Los Angeles Rams' practice squad on Wednesday, Sept. 11.
From TheHuddle